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Political Opinions

Town of Penetanguishene Council Highlights

Submitted by Town of Penetanguishene

March 14, 2024 – Council Highlights provide a brief overview of noteworthy decisions and presentations made at Town of Penetanguishene Council meetings. Special Council

Council convened in Closed Session in accordance with the Town of Penetanguishene Procedural By-law 2023-50, the Council of the Town of Penetanguishene move into an in-camera session to discuss:

  • Verbal update from the Director of Human Resources regarding Union Negotiations
  • Verbal update from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding Main Street Building Collapse
  • Personnel Matters

Council

  • Council had 4 residents participate in the Open Forum, where they were provided 2 minutes to speak about any municipal item.
  • Mayor Rawson proclaimed the month of March as #ITSTARTS Month, in support of the County of Simcoe campaign.
  • Council read a resolution from the Penetanguishene Police Services Board regarding Intimate Partner Violence and Gender-based Violence.
  • Council read a resolution from Prince Edward County regarding expanding the life span of fire apparatus’ and directed staff to share a copy of this resolution with various Members of Parliament.
  • Council read a resolution from the Municipality of Wawa regarding a Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters and directed staff to share a copy of this resolution with the Association of Fire Chiefs of Ontario, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Simcoe North MP.
  • Council received a delegation from Claude Moreau regarding 17 Poyntz Street.
  • Council received a delegation from Connie Stewart regarding 17 Poyntz Street.
  • Council received a delegation from Micheal Desroches regarding 17 Poyntz Street.
  • Council received a Year in Review presentation from the Chief Administrative Officer.
  • Council approved the minutes from the Special Council – February 13, 2024, Council – February 14, 2024 and Special Council – February 14, 2024 meetings.
  • Council received a memo from the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer regarding the By-law authorizing an agreement with Waypoint Centre for Mental Health.
  • Council approved the site plan exemption for 45 Robillard Drive.
  • Council approved the Elmvale Groundwater Study Project – letter of intent.
  • Council approved the Committee of the Whole report from February 14, 2024.
  • Council passed 4 By-law:

o 2024-08- Being a By-law to Authorize the Execution of an Agreement with the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care herein after “Waypoint”

o 2024-09- A By-Law to Appoint Staff at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care Penetanguishene as Municipal Law Enforcement Officers

o 2024-10- Being a By-law to establish an Agreement with the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (45 Edward Street) for the provision of a Drainage Easement

o 2024-11- Being a By-law to Amend By-law 2022-02, A By-law Regulating the Traffic/Parking and Use of Highways for the Corporation of the Town of Penetanguishene

Committee of the Whole

Committee of the Whole (Committee) facilitates the decision-making process of Council. The Committee is comprised of all members of Council who fully participate in debate and forward recommendations to Council for final decision. Items that are discussed in Committee of the Whole are to be ratified at Council’s next meeting.

  • Committee received a presentation from Tim Garratt, Penetanguishene Midland Minor Ball Hockey regarding the Non-resident User Fee Review.
  • Committee received a presentation from Jonathan Main, Severn Sound Environmental Association regarding Climate Change Action Plan.
  • Committee received a presentation from Cate Root, Huronia Community Foundation regarding Housing Proposal.

TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

  • Committee received the Drinking Water Quality Management System Meeting minutes for information.
  • Committee received the Drinking Water Quality Management System 2023 Audit Report for information.
  • Committee approved the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund as presented.
  • Committee approved the Traffic Control Trial & Traffic Control and Calming Policy as outlined and directed staff to bring forward an amendment to the Traffic/Parking By-law for Council approval.

RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

  • Committee received the Museum and Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes from November 9, 2023 for information.
  • Committee received the Penetanguishene Public Library Meeting Minutes from January 29, 2024 for information.
  • Committee received a memo om the Director of Recreation and Community Services regarding Recreation Master Plan Funding.

PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

  • Committee received the Committee of Adjustment Meeting Minutes from June 26, 2023 for information.
  • Committee received a Memo from the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer regarding the February 2024 Monthly Report.
  • Committee approved the Alternative Planning Notice Policy as presented.
  • Committee approved that the Proposed Pilot and Draft By-law for All Terrain Vehicles on Municipal Roads be released for public comment as presented.
  • Committee approved the amendment to By-law #2023-36 (Open-Air Burning) as presented.
  • Committee approved the amendment to Environmentally Inspired Mowing Policy for “No Mow May” By-law Enforcement as presented.
  • Committee approved that Council receive a presentation from the Canadian Radiocommunications Information and Notice Service (CRINS) regarding information on their service for consultation on proposed telecommunication facilities.

FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES

  • Committee received the Police Services Board Meeting Minutes from December 4, 2023, and January 29, 2024, for information.
  • Committee received the 2023 Annual Remuneration Report for Council, Boards and Committees for information.
  • Committee approved the Respect in the Workplace Policy amendments as outlined.
  • Committee approved the recommendations made by staff for the Non-Resident User Fee Review with amendments.

Committee Upcoming Meetings and other community events are listed on our website.

 

Negativity in Our Nation

By George Allen

March 23, 2024 – We live in a nation that seems to be energized by negativity, an attitude fuelled by social media and soaked up by groups and individuals.  Perhaps this is one of the reasons that we have slipped down a few places on the “World’s Happiness Scale”.  I regularly hear such accusations as, “Trudeau is a liar; Ford is a liar; all politicians are liars.”

Upon hearing such accusations I am always waiting to hear what issue has brought about this declaration.  Does that speaker know some ‘truth’ that is not obvious to others?  Is there such a thing as uncontested ‘truth’?  Are these statements just a show of frustration; are they an attempt to shape opinions?  Truth is not an absolute; it is more of an agreement.

What we often take for truth might be more accurately referred to as opinion. However if truth is based on a collection of verifiable facts, there is still a problem.  Will the verifiable facts be agreed upon by all?  Is this not the reason we use 12 people on a jury and ask for consensus?

A lie, on the other hand, may more accurately be the defined as the use of selective facts with the intention to deceive. So wouldn’t you have to know the intention of the person being accused before calling them a liar?

All of the above leads me to the conclusion that speaking of our leaders as liars sheds more light on the state of mind of the speaker than those of whom they speak.  If our elected leaders are all seen as liars, what would be the incentive to speak the truth as they see it?

I would submit that: a) that negativity is an enemy of finding solutions and b) if you agree with those expressing negative thoughts it may bring you down to their level and c) those who are positive and search for truth will not be interested in taking office.

Those who are steeped in negativity should get the same attention as we would give the sound of one hand clapping.

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